Scammers defraud disabled people in Japan via dating apps

Japanese police are warning of a rise in dating app scams targeting disabled individuals, resulting in financial losses. Scammers are using fake dates to lure victims into bars and run up large bills. A visually impaired man was defrauded of nearly $5,000 after meeting a woman on a dating app. The woman, working with a bar, encouraged excessive spending on drinks and games, leading to the victim's intoxication and financial exploitation. The Tokyo police report that these scams are often carried out by anonymous groups. The case highlights the vulnerability of disabled individuals to such schemes and the challenges in prosecuting these crimes.